VIEW: New Tappan Zee Bridge Designs

The state Thruway Authority released three designs for a new Tappan Zee Bridge, and each came in more than $1 billion under the initial price tag of $5.2 billion.

The three proposals ranged in price from $3.1 billion to $4 billion. A design review team selected by Gov. Andrew Cuomo is recommending the least expensive option, said Brian Conybeare, a special adviser on the project.

“They determined it was the best value,” he said.

The state didn’t release the companies that made each design. The winning project will be selected by the state Thruway Authority on Dec. 17.

The construction time for each proposal was about five years.

“To get a bridge to this point in a year was really a fantastic accomplishment,” Cuomo said at a presentation at the Capitol.